Washington Redskins: Is Jabar Gaffney Worth a Late-Round Pick?

It was reported today that Jabar Gaffney is being shopped by the Washington Redskins. With the NFL Draft about a week away, some may wonder why the Redskins decided now would be a good time to try to get a deal done.

There could be a number of factors involved. Mike Shanahan has continuously stated that he wants a younger team, and Jabar Gaffney is entering his 11th season in the NFL and will be turning 32 in December.

Also, the Washington Redskins are looking to find some players who are able to produce after the catch, hence the free agent signings of Pierre Garçon and Josh Morgan. Gaffney has never been known for his YAC, and at this point in his career is just a possession receiver.

Finally, Washington could be fed up with Gaffney’s Twitter rants with fans, his soon to be ex-wife and ex-NFL players. They could also be looking to add a late round draft pick either this year or next year.

No matter what the reasoning behind the decision, Jabar Gaffney’s future with the Washington Redskins does not look bright.

If in fact the Redskins are trying to trade him, it begs the question: What is his value?

Statistically, Gaffney had his best season last year with the Redskins, catching 68 balls for 947 yards and five touchdowns. However, he surpassed 100 yards receiving in a game just once and has never had more than five touchdowns in a season.

This year’s wide receiver draft class is not deep, which could help the Redskins find a trade partner willing to give up a little to get Gaffney.

Wherever Jabar Gaffney ends up, he has a decent shot at making the final roster if only for his ability to get down field.

Finding a trade partner in a week may be a more difficult proposition, however. When you factor in all that comes with Jabar Gaffney, his value seems to be about a sixth or seventh round pick. To make a trade like this worthwhile, the Redskins should ask for a seventh round pick this year and sixth round pick next year with a playing time incentive that could escalate the pick to a fifth rounder in 2013.

Even if the Redskins can only get a seventh this year or a sixth next year, it is still better than just releasing him and getting nothing for a player that still holds some value.